Eli Manning: The Ultimate Giant
Eli Manning announced his retirement Wednesday, ending an era in New York that was full of memories on and off the field. It shouldn't be long before the quarterback joins other franchise icons in the team's Ring of Honor.
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Draft trade
Although he told the Chargers he wouldn't play for them, San Diego selected him first overall in 2004. A dejected Manning struggled to smile on the draft stage but was soon traded to the Giants. 👉
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Not hiding his thoughts ...
Never forget the Eli Manning/Philip Rivers trade in the 2004 #NFLDraft. Would Eli still have 2 Super Bowl rings if he ended up playing for the Chargers? 🤔
Early success
In his first full season as starter, Manning led the G-Men to an 11-5 record and the 2005 division crown. He finished fifth in passing yards with 3,762.
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Playoff brilliance
In the fifth-coldest game in NFL history, Manning and the Giants took down Green Bay at Lambeau Field to claim the 2008 NFC title. The game, which New York won in OT, was Brett Favre's Packers finale.
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Super Bowl XLII
With some help from David Tyree, Manning led the Giants to a stunning 17-14 upset of the undefeated Patriots. New York won every postseason game as the road team after squeaking into the playoffs. 👉
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Manning to Tyree
11 years ago today, Eli Manning and David Tyree did the impossible.
And another one ...
Manning earned his second ring at Super Bowl XLVI, once again at the Patriots' expense. This time, a pass down the sideline to Mario Manningham late in the final quarter was the signature play. 👉
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Manning to Manningham
On this day in 2012: Manning to Manningham... And the @Giants' second Super Bowl upset of the Patriots in five years. (Super Bowl XLVI)
Coughlin's No. 1 guy
An emotional Tom Coughlin defended Manning against critics who blamed the QB's play for his firing as head coach in 2016. Manning was reduced to tears. 👉
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'Eli, it's not you' 💙
A touching moment when Tom Coughlin told Eli Manning, "it's not his fault." ❤️
Ironman
Manning never missed a game due to injury. He made 210 consecutive starts until Ben McAdoo briefly benched him in 2017.
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Walter Payton Man of the Year
Manning and Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald shared the NFL's most prestigious off-field award in 2016 for contributions in their communities.
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Sweet 16
In 2019, Manning became the first player to suit up in 16 seasons for Big Blue. But he was benched for Daniel Jones after two games, paving the way for a new era of Giants football.
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That's all, folks!
Manning went 117-117 as a starter. He retires from the NFL ranked seventh all time in passing yardage and passing touchdowns and 10th all time in game-winning drives.
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